CBS and Paramount might have the Star Trek name tied up with JJ Abram's 'Bad Robot' for the indefinite future, and licensing battles might clog the pipeline of content for years to come... but the question is: do we need their clout to advance Gene Roddenberry's vision of the future?

There are several independent Star Trek productions of varying quality, and they just seem to be getting more and more impressive. This concept has completely changed my vision of the future of media. We're not going to need top-down production companies to make entertainment in the future, as fans of a concept can simply use crowd funding to commission the works they want. I generally dismissed and scoffed at such endeavors as amateur and lacking until I watched "Star Trek Continues". With that experience, I realized that the talent to produce top-notch stories is abundant, and that the future is bright for anyone to be the storyteller they wish to be. Here are just a few of the stories ongoing in the 'unofficial' Star Trek universe:

Star Trek Continues is an attempt to pick up the Original Series where it left off. Yes, it is an entirely new cast, but they represent all of the original characters especially well. Their set design, musical score, and special effects are SPOT ON to the original. Nobody has captured the feel and tone of the original Star Trek better than these fellas. They currently only have two episodes released, with a third coming this weekend.

Another production in the works is Star Trek Renegades. This show, set in the prime universe after the end of Star Trek: Voyager, features Walter Koenig and Tim Russ reprising their roles as Chekov and Tuvok, as they lead a renegade crew into the darker side of the Trek universe. This ambitious project has attracted the attention of a lot of former Trek talent, and will advance the prime universe into uncharted territory.

And the last production I want to highlight is Star Trek: Axanar. Axanar might be the most exciting of the group, as the special effects look amazing, and the talent shows a lot of potential. This feature will begin as a History Channel style documentary, featuring Starfleet and Klingon leaders being interveiwed about a historic watershed battle. Taking place shortly before the Original Series, this looks to bridge the gap between Enterprise and The Original Series, and seems to have the look and feel very well in hand.

Now, with each of these, I only ask that you approach them with an open mind. I was won over after expecting shortcomings. Of course, this concept can't go from zero to sixty overnight; but the steps they have taken have left me with a sense of wondrous awe. I am very, very inspired by these people's accomplishments as independent producers. Give them an honest chance, and if you like what they're all about- look up their kickstarter pages, and pitch them a little coin for their work!

I watched Lolani in its entirety. Very political/social commentary laden as was the original series. Nice to see and hear the sights and sounds again I must admit. I have appreciated the original series much more as an adult than I ever could have watching them as a child. It was and is a beautiful series of stories.....

Star Trek: Axanar has released their 21 minute "Prelude to Axanar", which will preceed the full 90 minute feature coming later this year. Their work so far has been amazing. While it's a bit darker than I'm used to from Trek, they still did an amazing job.

As Star Trek: Axanar continues to gain steam, the pilot of Star Trek Renegades has now been quietly released.

I must say, while the tone is a bit darker than I'm used to from the Trek universe, I'm really pleased with the final product. I'm thoroughly entertained by what they've accomplished. This is a fine 90 minute Star Trek Universe story, with very satisfying production values!

As Star Trek: Axanar continues to gain steam, the pilot of Star Trek Renegades has now been quietly released.

I must say, while the tone is a bit darker than I'm used to from the Trek universe, I'm really pleased with the final product. I'm thoroughly entertained by what they've accomplished. This is a fine 90 minute Star Trek Universe story, with very satisfying production values!

That's great. I've never seen this before. How are they able to use the Star Trek name?

As Star Trek: Axanar continues to gain steam, the pilot of Star Trek Renegades has now been quietly released.

I must say, while the tone is a bit darker than I'm used to from the Trek universe, I'm really pleased with the final product. I'm thoroughly entertained by what they've accomplished. This is a fine 90 minute Star Trek Universe story, with very satisfying production values!

That's great. I've never seen this before. How are they able to use the Star Trek name?

It's been a debated thing... but CBS and Paramount have actually been pretty fair to original content producers. There have been some controversies, but I think it's realized that for the most part, fan productions do more to keep energy in the franchise, than they do to detract from its profitability.

The way 'Renegades', 'Axanar', 'ST:Continues' (my personal favorite), and even 'Phase II', have exploded into full feature productions might change things in the very near future... but I think that fan productions offer some of the most amazing concepts and futures for this storied franchise.

We'll see what the future brings, but for now, CBS and Paramount seem to be letting it happen. I think they're very wise to do so.

Not sure which production I saw but the episode involved the character Apollo (from the original series) returning. He was played by the same actor from that original series episode. At first, I felt it was a parody. But after several minutes I thought it was pretty well done especially when it came to the tone.

I'm assuming the one with Chekov and Tuvoc is even better. I should check that out because the synopsis sounds entertaining.

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Posted 02 September 2015 - 04:38 PM

I watched the full Renegades film last night and it was a challenge to finish it. The story not particularly engaging, the fanboy script, the horrid ill fitting costumes, the cinematography. An amazing cast wasted.